Clinical Case Database / Category: Patient Management

Peritonsillar abscess

Publication details

Dr Russell W. Hathway MBBCh, BDS, MFDSRCS (Eng), Mr Neela, M. Doddi MBBS, MS, DOHNS, Mphil, MRCS
Foundation Years Journal, volume 7, issue 4, p.43 (123Doc Education, London, April 2013)

Abstract

Peritonsillar abscess or ‘Quinsy’, is a common complication of acute tonsillitis. It is one of the commonest reasons for acute admission to the ENT ward in the UK. The main objective of this case based discussion is to provide foundation trainees with a synopsis of the aetiology, pathogenesis, differential diagnosis and management of peritonsillar abscess. Various evidence-based management options will be discussed.

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Authors

Dr Russell W. Hathway MBBCh, BDS, MFDSRCS (Eng)

Foundation Year 2 in Otolaryngology
Singleton Hospital
Swansea
hathway@doctors.org.uk

Mr Neela, M. Doddi MBBS, MS, DOHNS, Mphil, MRCS

ST3 in Otolaryngology
Singleton Hospital
Swansea

References

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3. Dunn N, Lane D, Everitt H, Little P. Use of antibiotics for sore throat and incidence of quinsy. Br J Gen Pract. 2007 Jan 1;57(534):45–9.
4. Spires JR, Owens JJ, Woodson GE, Miller RH. Treatment of Peritonsillar AbscessA Prospective Study of Aspiration vs Incision and Drainage. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1987 Sep 1;113(9):984–6.
5. Brook I. Microbiology and management of peritonsillar, retropharyngeal, and parapharyngeal abscesses. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2004 Dec;62(12):1545–50.
6. Shareef M, Balaji N, Adi-Romero P. Screening for glandular fever in patients with Quinsy: is it necessary? European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. 2007;264(11):1329–31.
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9. Prior A, Montgomery P, Mitchelmore I, Tabaqchali S. The microbiology and antibiotic treatment of peritonsillar abscesses. Clinical Otolaryngology & Allied Sciences. 1995;20(3):219–23.
10. Ozbek C, Aygenc E, Tuna EU, Selcuk A, Ozdem C. Use of steroids in the treatment of peritonsillar abscess. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology. 2004;118(06):439–42.
11. Mehanna HM, Al-Bahnasawi L, White A. National audit of the management of peritonsillar abscess. Postgrad Med J. 2002 Sep 1;78(923):545–7.
12. Deutsch MD, Kriss VM, Willging JP. Distance Between the Tonsillar Fossa and Internal Carotid Artery in Children. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1995 Dec 1;121(12):1410–2.
13. Fagan JJ, Wormald PJ. Quinsy tonsillectomy or interval tonsillectomy-a prospective randomised trial. SAMJ. 1994;84(10):689–90.
14. Galioto NJ. Peritonsillar abscess. Am Fam Physician. 2008 Jan 15;77(2):199–202.

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About the Clinical Cases Database

T​he Foundation Years Clinical Cases Database is​ a selection of 600 peer-reviewed clinical cases in the field of patient safety and clinical practice, specifically focused on the clinical information needs of junior doctors, based around the Foundation Year Curriculum programme (MMC). The cases have been chosen to align with the Foundation Year Curriculum.

The database is fully searchable, or can be browsed by medical specialty. Abstracts can be read free of charge, however a subscription is required in order to read the complete cases.